CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH SUPPORT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
BY BRANDI KRAUSE
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and that means it’s time for the Annual Wash Park Home Tour! On Saturday, May 11, Steele Elementary School will host what could prove to be the best tour yet! This year’s event will take place from 10am to 3pm in the quiet corner of East Wash Park located between the Denver Country Club and Alameda Ave. Not only will patrons have the opportunity to walk through five gorgeously unique homes, but there will also be an expansive Street Fair on the 100 block of S. Humboldt St. where attendees can browse local artisan booths in search of special treasures and perhaps even find the perfect Mother’s Day gift! All of your senses will be enlightened as you sample tasty foods, including Argentinian empanadas, Greek gyros, and locally made ice cream!
If this isn’t enough to pique your curiosity, here is a brief description of each home on the tour:
Wash Park Timeless Original
This early 1900s historic home exudes timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Steeped in history yet thoughtfully updated, this residence offers a perfect fusion of old-world charm and modern amenities. From its original moldings to its modern light fixtures, every detail of this home tells a story of style and sophistication. Located steps away from the historic Downing Trolley Stop, this location has been home to a second-generation Steele family. Before heading to the next home on the tour, be sure to head north on Downing to the corner of South Marion to take a closer look at the before-mentioned Historic Denver Trolley Stop. This unique bench structure was believed to have been erected in 1904. Trolleys stopped running through this part of Denver in 1930, so it fell into disrepair. Thankfully it was completely restored by local nonprofit organization, HistoriCorps. We have a deep appreciation for the salvage of Old Denver History.
Modern Farmhouse Meets Southern Charm
This beautiful modern farmhouse was built in 2015 and boasts an abundance of southern charm and contemporary elegance. Step inside to discover an interior awash in a delightful contrast of light colors and rich, dark accents, creating a captivating ambiance throughout.
Popped Bungalow Beauty
Discover unparalleled luxury living in this meticulously crafted 2-story custom home, nestled on an oversized corner lot. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the attention to detail and exquisite finishes that define this residence. The floor plan effortlessly flows from one stunning space to the next for elegant family living and entertaining.
Luxurious Custom Build
This beautifully renovated 1921 home seamlessly combines classic charm with contemporary furnishings, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality. Boasting three levels of living area, this residence features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, surround sound speakers, and an array of living spaces ideal for today’s lifestyle.
Secluded Corner Lot Standout
Step into ultimate luxury living with this 4,500 square feet home, where elegance and comfort intertwine seamlessly. Positioned on a beautiful corner lot with mature trees, a large front porch welcomes you with its inviting warmth. This residence features multiple outdoor areas, which provide endless opportunities for leisure and entertaining. The heart of the home is the great room with its updated kitchen, exposed beams, and cozy breakfast nook.
Now for the best part… when you purchase your ticket for the Wash Park Home Tour, not only are you are supporting local school children and their teachers, but you are also contributing to the vibrancy of the entire Wash Park community and beyond. Additionally, a percentage of funds raised this year will directly benefit families in need through the LoVVE Project by providing fresh food, hygiene products and cleaning supplies to our neighbors in Virginia Village in partnership with Steele’s sister school, Ellis Elementary. The LoVVE Project currently supports over 350 families with boxes of fresh food and supplies to feed and care for 1600 individuals each month. Their board members and cultural advisors look like the families they serve. The LoVVe Project speaks English, Spanish, and Arabic with partners from Mexico, Venezuela, Libya, Nepal, and many others.
They pride themselves on providing culturally appropriate foods and choices for families wherever possible. This helps ensure they go beyond meeting bare minimum needs to create giving events with dignity and a celebratory spirit. We are proud to be a part of such a thoughtful group of people making a difference.
Everyone knows that Washington Park is a show-stopping, not-to-be-missed, attraction in the heart of Denver. It is not lost on us, just how lucky we are to have this beautiful park at our fingertips, but what makes our neighborhood a vibrant community is our people. This is where education comes in. It is a fact that quality public education powers prosperity by attracting families and businesses, thereby boosting the local economy.
The common thread inside the pages of this very magazine that we receive each month – is that supporting local matters and when we lift up and take care of our neighbors, we all win.
Each new Wash Park family that makes the choice to send their children to our beloved Steele Elementary School, becomes interwoven. As students begin to develop life-long relationships so do their parents. It’s a beautiful thing, as these relationships create stronger family ties within our neighborhood, ultimately leading to an environment of communal cohesion and trust, which has a ripple effect.
The bottom line is that quality neighborhood schools make quality neighborhoods – and visa versa. Steele Elementary School has been powering the Wash Park community for more than 100 years and we rely on our community to reciprocate. Many of you reading this magazine, have had direct experiences with this historic and beautiful school. Whether your kids went here, you went here, or you worked inside Steele’s walls rich with history, you understand the magic of this place. We deeply appreciate the support of our community to keep this school an iconic and important resource for the neighborhood. It is with your support that this is possible.
We look forward to seeing you all this year and making new connections at this annual event. Bring your friends and family to enjoy this wildly popular and fun community gathering that is sure to not only delight, but also lift up our entire neighborhood! There is still time to purchase your tickets or make a donation, please visit www.washparkhometour.org for details.